LIBRARY SUPPORTERS WIN STATEWIDE HONORS

LIBRARY SUPPORTERS WIN STATEWIDE HONORS

Posted by ruschau, Community Contributor

Friends of the Bakerville Library, New Hartford, are raffling off a 2015 Dodge Challenger R/T Plus in September. Shown from left are Paulina Auclair, Pam FitzGerald, Elaine Murphy, Pat Smith and Joan Auclair.

Friends of the Bakerville Library, New Hartford, are raffling off a 2015 Dodge Challenger R/T Plus in September. Shown from left are Paulina Auclair, Pam FitzGerald, Elaine Murphy, Pat Smith and Joan Auclair. (Posted by ruschau, Community Contributor)

Community Contributor ruschau

Lovers of libraries statewide gathered at Middlesex Community College in Middletown in June to honor those who have done so much to help libraries."The library is the center for the college and that's what your libraries are for your communities,'' Anna Wasescha, president of the college, told the approximately 50 people. "Libraries are so critical for the quality of life in this country." Those honored included individuals and groups, for everything from increasing the number of members to creating a unique "Human Library" where people can check out experts. The organization doing the honoring was Friends of Connecticut Libraries. Longtime library volunteer Lillian Levin presented the award given in her name to a woman who has been active with FOCL for almost 20 years - Marge Storrs of Simsbury. Storrs joined the FOCL Board in 1998 and has served as president, chair of the awards committee and chair of the nominations committee. Storrs actually recruited most of the present board members. In addition, Storrs has lobbyied the Connecticut Legislature to raise the reimbursement rate that libraries receive when loaning items to other libraries. She also and spoke with Congressman John Larson in Washington on national library funding. "This is very exciting and I'll tell you why," said Storrs in accepting this award. "It's because of that little lady," Storrs said, indicating Levin. "When I first came on the board I didn't have a clue as to what was going on with libraries and that little lady guided me." Friends of the Bakerville Library in New Hartford won an award for their fundraising project - raffling a car. They came up with the idea four years ago when the chance came to buy the building next to the library. The Friends continue to raise funds for renovations to the building, but say the best result has been the positive publicity for the library. "For me this group means so much more," said Elaine Murphy. "There are only eight of us but boy do we have fun." Friends of the Wolcott Library won an award for establishing a craft sale to raise money. These efforts have resulted in thousands of dollars in additional revenue for the Wolcott Friends, and in these times it is sorely needed. "We have here a tireless worker," said Ann Graeline, president of the Wolcott Friends, indicating fellow Friends member Liz Santos. "She came up with the craft idea, and she ran with it." The Oxford Library Friends were honored for increasing membership by 50 percent by organizing community projects and using direct marketing. They promoted opportunities for the community to support the Friends and library, increasing revenue from a holiday fundraiser by 25%. Friends of the Enfield Library were honored for their celebration of the Pearl Street branch's centennial and the improvements for it including sprucing up the building both inside and out. "One of the first things I did as director in 1999 was to resurrect the Friends group," said Library Director Henry Dutcher. They have been a great addition, he said, especially with small the group that organized the celebration. "They put it together in about two weeks," he said. State Librarian Kendall Wiggins said, "I thought you spent months planning it." Friends of the Blackstone Library in Branford were honored for not only raising money but also raising public awareness about their library. Their book sale is held in a tent on the village green along with the garden club's plant and flower sale and a concert. With the $40,000 raised the group contributed to the new Maker's Lab (including a 3D printer), paid for digitizing the reference collection and bought new laptop computers museum passes. Their Downton Abbey Tea not only raised money but generated a lot of good press, said Friends President Helen Wong. The Friends also contribute books to the Community Dining Room. "No one should go hungry, and no one should go without a good read," is their motto. "If you have a chance and are in Branford, stop by to see our beautiful library," Wong said. The creation of a Human Library at the Chester Library won honors for Susan Zirlen of that library's Friends. A Human Library is a place where the books are living people who volunteer to share their stories, passion, and/or life experiences with members of the community. The human book collection include such diverse subjects as social activism, fantasy team sports and beekeeping. Books are available for a 30-minute, in-person "checkout" at the library. Visiting Denmark and speaking with the person who came up with the idea, Zirlen said, "inspired me to go forward with this idea and hopefully spread this idea around the state." From the Wethersfield Library Friends, Carolyn Vallieres was honored for increasing the group's membership by 98 percent by mailing flyers to every town resident. "I think this thing with me and books in inherited," Vallieres said, explaining that she got her love of books from her father. An idea to hold regional meetings to share ideas earned Linda Chapron of the Farmington Library Friends an individual achievement award. She visited many bookstores founded by Friends organizations and was able to share what she learned. "She wants you guys to make as much money as possible for your libraries," said Lisa Berman of the Avon Friends, who accepted the award on Chapron's behalf.

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